The Syracuse team the Huskies are facing is vastly improved over the 2007 edition. The Orange are 1-0 in 2010 after a 29-3 thumping of Akron last week. Quarterback Ryan Nassib and running back Delone Carter lead an offense that struggled at times last season under former Duke basketball player-turned QB Greg Paulus. Syracuse averaged only 15 points per game in eight losses, but averaged over 34 points in four wins.

“They’re really good,” Huskies defensive coordinator Nick Holt said. “I know people might not think … that I might be full of it, but these guys are much improved. You can see it through the game film from last year.”

One of the main offensive weapons from last season, Mike Williams, however, is gone from the team that was able to spread the field well at times in 2009. Williams had over 2,000 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns during his three seasons at Syracuse. Williams is now in the NFL.

Defensively, the Orange play a base four-down defense, but often switch into a 3-4 scheme, the same formation that frustrated the Huskies against BYU. But the Orange should bring more of a pass rush instead of the hang-back strategy employed by the Cougars that led to clogged passing lanes and the containment of Locker.

“They’re similar to BYU in that they love their zone pressure game out of their 3-4 package,” head coach Steve Sarkisian said. “They’re a little more just straight pressure-oriented than BYU. If you’re going to cross the 50, they’re going to come after you pretty good.”

Some changes will be coming for the Huskies, as Jesse Callier will be joining Chris Polk on kickoff returns, Kiel Rasp will be getting his first start at punter, and a pair of freshman, Colin Porter and Erik Kohler, will see more playing time on the offensive line.

“Those guys have stepped in and done a nice job,” Sarkisian said of Porter and Kohler. “How much playing time they’ll get, I don’t know, but I would like to get them in the ballgame.”

For Syracuse, Saturday is a chance to pull off the upset and start the season 2-0. For Washington, it’s an opportunity to get 2010 back on track and improve the chances of ending Locker’s final year with a bowl game appearance. Sarkisian hopes the crowd will help inspire a group that went 5-1 at home in 2009.

“We’re anxious to get back to Husky Stadium, to play in front of our fans,” Sarkisian said. “It will be a great atmosphere, I’m sure.”

Notes: Running back Johri Fogerson is out for the game with a hip-flexor strain, meaning Callier should get more opportunities on offense. Also expect Chris Polk to get more than the 16 carries he got against BYU, as Sarkisian identified 20 carries as his plan for Polk. Wide receiver James Johnson, who has been sidelined with an ankle sprain, should be able to play against Syracuse.